BEACON — A Dutchess County jury convicted 24-year-old Khyree Pratt of Philadelphia of murder and conspiracy charges following five days of testimony and less than an hour of deliberations.
The jury found Pratt guilty of Murder in the First Degree, Murder in the Second Degree, Conspiracy in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.
The conviction stems from the May 14, 2022 shooting death of Lionell Pittman at approximately 7 p.m. in the area of West Center Street and Forrestal Heights apartment complex.
The jury concluded that Pratt, acting with others, knowingly possessed a loaded firearm and pointed the gun at Pittman, firing a shot that struck him in the head and caused his death.
Prosecutors said Pratt committed the killing pursuant to an agreement with others and collected money as compensation for his participation in the murder.
District Attorney Anthony Parisi said the verdict sends a clear message that those who plot violence and carry it out will be held accountable.
The City of Beacon Police Department handled the investigation.
Unit Chiefs Andrea Long and David Kunca prosecuted the case.
The trial was conducted in Dutchess County Court before Judge Edward T. McLoughlin, who scheduled sentencing for Nov. 24.
